Safety Week: How Does "Report a Crime Anonymously" Work, and What Is the Municipality Doing?
Safety Week runs from October 5 through 9. During this week, extra attention is given to various topics related to safety and crime. One way to share information about potential crimes is through Report Crime Anonymously (MMA), an independent hotline where people can submit information anonymously.
But how exactly does MMA work? What happens to a report, and what role does the municipality play in the process? Our colleague Eveline, Coordinator of Administrative Measures and Subversion, explains what happens behind the scenes.
From the Signal to Looking Beyond
Eveline has been working for the municipality of Kerkrade for almost three years now. In her job, she deals with signs that may be related to subversion. But what exactly is subversion?
“These are situations in which the underworld and mainstream society become intertwined. For example, criminal money or criminal activities are then hidden or used through a legitimate business,” Eveline explains. “Criminals need legal structures to be able to use or invest their criminal proceeds. Consider, for example, someone who makes money from a cannabis farm and also owns a restaurant that, in reality, has almost no customers. That restaurant can then be used to give the criminal proceeds a legal source.”
A report can help shed light on these kinds of situations. Eveline emphasizes that a report is not the same as evidence, nor does it automatically mean that an investigation will be launched. “A report is primarily a warning sign. Afterward, we look into whether there’s actually a problem. It doesn’t have to be evidence. It’s a report, not a formal complaint.”
A report may provide new information, but it may also tie in with information that is already known or with an investigation that is already underway. “The person making the report doesn’t have to be certain that something is wrong. If someone thinks, ‘Something doesn’t seem right here,’ they can report it. Once the report reaches the municipality, we’ll check what we already know and what’s in our systems.”
What happens to a report?
Report Crime Anonymously is an independent foundation. Information is processed in such a way that the identity of the person making the report remains unknown to the organization that ultimately receives it. First, the foundation determines whether the information can actually be passed on anonymously. Then, it determines which organization can act on the information. This could be, for example, the municipality, the police, or the Tax Authority.
It’s precisely the details that can be important in such cases. Eveline gives an example: “Suppose someone reports that a strong smell of marijuana can regularly be detected coming from the neighbors’ house. If the report also includes details about where the person is located in the house or exactly how the situation was noticed, that might reveal the identity of the person making the report. In that case, Report Crime Anonymously may decide that the information cannot be passed on anonymously.”
Within the municipality, access to MMA reports is restricted. Eveline is one of the employees who reviews the reports. “First, you check: Does this report actually pertain to the municipality? And if so, which department or colleague can handle it?”
A report does not mean that immediate action will be taken. The information is first reviewed and, where possible, verified. Sometimes further investigation follows; sometimes a report corroborates information that is already known; and sometimes it turns out that there is ultimately no basis for further action.
No feedback
Part of an anonymous report is that the person who made the report is not told what ultimately happened with the information. That is part of the anonymity.
“I can’t ask Report a Crime Anonymously who made the report. I don’t know myself, and the staff at Report a Crime Anonymously don’t know either. So I can never provide feedback to the person who reported it,” Eveline explains.
Anyone who would like to know what happens to a report can use a different reporting channel, such as the municipality, the enforcement agency, or the police. In certain cases, you may receive a response. However, even then, specific details may not always be shared due to privacy concerns or an ongoing investigation.
When in doubt
With "Report Crime Anonymously," it is not necessary to establish in advance that a crime has actually been committed. Staff members can first discuss with the person reporting what was seen, when it happened, and why the situation raises questions.
“So, as a person reporting a concern, you don’t need to know the whole story or figure out for yourself exactly what’s going on. A suspicion or a feeling that something isn’t quite right can be enough to get in touch. There doesn’t need to be direct evidence. But it’s always taken seriously, and we’ll look into what can be done with the information.”
A sign in the bigger picture
So an anonymous report doesn’t stand alone. It’s one of the indicators that can help us understand what’s going on. Eveline: “Sometimes a report confirms what we already know, sometimes it provides new information, and sometimes it turns out there’s nothing to it after all. You don’t know that beforehand. That’s why it’s important to view a report primarily as an indicator that we can factor into the bigger picture.”
Working Together for a Safe Environment
Do you see something that doesn't seem right or that concerns you? Are you unsure whether you should report it? If so, contact Report a Crime Anonymously at 0800 – 7000 or go to www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl for more information. You can also report an incident directly to Law Enforcement (045 - 567 63 48) or the police (0800 - 8844). In urgent or life-threatening situations, always call 112.